Senegal’s World Cup dreams were shattered in Seattle in the most heartbreaking fashion despite dominating the match and holding a comfortable two-goal cushion.
The Lions of Teranga started brightly and created the clearer openings in the first half.
The breakthrough arrived in the 25th minute as Mané delivered an inviting cross, Sarr’s header came back off the post, and Habib Diarra reacted fastest to tap the ball into an empty net with Thibaut Courtois stranded.
Senegal doubled their advantage shortly after the interval.
Belgium appeared on the brink of elimination until their coach’s substitutions changed the momentum.
The equaliser came in the final moments of normal time through another defensive lapse.
Extra time belonged largely to Senegal on the balance of play, yet Belgium found a decisive moment deep in the additional period.
After a lengthy VAR review, referee Saíd Martínez awarded the penalty just webTielemans stepped up and calmly sent Diaw the wrong way to complete Belgium’s remarkable comeback and seal a 3-2 victory.
The result sends Belgium through to the Round of 16, where they will face the United States on July 6 in Seattle.
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